Assassin’s Creed: The Definitive Ranking of the Best Female Assassins
Let’s cut to the chase: declaring the best female assassin in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is a Herculean task, fraught with personal biases and gameplay preferences. However, considering a combination of factors such as combat prowess, impact on the Assassin Brotherhood, character depth, storyline significance, and overall coolness, Kassandra of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey emerges as the most compelling candidate. While other assassins excel in specific areas, Kassandra’s sheer power, versatility, and impactful narrative set her apart.
Why Kassandra Reigns Supreme
Kassandra’s claim to the throne isn’t simply based on subjective opinion; it’s rooted in several key aspects:
- Brutal Combat Efficiency: Kassandra, the Eagle Bearer, is a Spartan mercenary, meaning she’s a hardened warrior from birth. Her fighting style is visceral and adaptable, capable of wielding a variety of weapons and utilizing powerful abilities tied to the Pieces of Eden. She’s not just stealthy; she’s outright devastating in open combat.
- First Civilization Bloodline: Kassandra’s connection to the First Civilization, known as the Isu, grants her unique powers and insights, making her an unparalleled force against the Order of the Ancients. Her staff keeps her alive for centuries, further cementing her importance.
- Moral Ambiguity and Choice: Unlike many assassins bound by strict creeds, Kassandra’s morality is fluid. Players dictate her choices, leading to varying outcomes and a more personalized connection with the character. This agency in shaping her destiny elevates her beyond a mere protagonist.
- Legacy and Impact: While technically a precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood, Kassandra’s actions and principles align perfectly with their core tenets. She fights for freedom and against tyranny, laying the groundwork for future assassins.
Honorable Mentions: Other Badass Ladies
While Kassandra takes the crown, several other female assassins deserve recognition:
- Evie Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate): A master of stealth and strategy, Evie is the brains of the Frye twins. Her dedication to the Assassin Brotherhood and her sharp intellect make her a formidable opponent.
- Aya/Amunet (Assassin’s Creed Origins): A co-founder of the Hidden Ones, Aya is a fierce warrior and a cunning strategist. Her commitment to justice and her pivotal role in the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood cannot be overstated.
- Aveline de Grandpré (Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation): The first female protagonist of an Assassin’s Creed game, Aveline fights for the freedom of slaves in 18th-century New Orleans. She is a skilled assassin and a symbol of hope for the oppressed.
- Elise de la Serre (Assassin’s Creed Unity): Though a Templar, Elise’s loyalty lies with her own moral compass and her love for Arno. Her fighting skills and unwavering determination make her a force to be reckoned with.
Why Not Someone Else? Addressing the Competition
While each female assassin brings something unique to the table, some fall short in certain areas compared to Kassandra:
- Combat Variety: While characters like Evie Frye excel in stealth, they lack the raw power and diverse combat options that Kassandra possesses.
- Story Significance: While Aveline is historically significant as the first female protagonist, her story doesn’t have the same epic scope and lasting impact as Kassandra’s.
- Character Depth: While Elise is a compelling character with a tragic love story, her allegiance to the Templar Order makes her less of a clear-cut “assassin” compared to others.
Ultimately, the choice of the “best” female assassin is subjective. However, based on a balanced assessment of combat ability, story significance, character depth, and overall coolness, Kassandra stands out as the most powerful and impactful female assassin in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the first playable female assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
Aveline de Grandpré from Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation holds the distinction of being the first playable female assassin in the series. Her game was originally released for the PlayStation Vita.
2. Is Kassandra considered canon in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, while players can choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra, Kassandra is considered the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
3. Which female assassin is known for her stealth abilities?
Evie Frye from Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is renowned for her exceptional stealth skills. She focuses on calculated approaches and using the environment to her advantage.
4. What is Amunet’s real name in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Aya is Amunet’s birth name. She adopted the name Amunet later in her life, a tribute to an Egyptian goddess.
5. Is Rebecca Crane an assassin?
Rebecca Crane is not a frontline assassin in the traditional sense. She is a vital member of the modern-day Assassin cell, primarily providing technical support and hacking expertise.
6. Which Assassin’s Creed game features the most powerful female character?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, featuring Kassandra, is often cited as having the most powerful female character due to her First Civilization bloodline and Spartan training.
7. Are there any LGBT relationships in Assassin’s Creed involving female assassins?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows for same-sex romances, meaning Kassandra can engage in relationships with female characters. These relationships are not always central to the main plot but offer diverse representation.
8. Which female assassin is a Templar?
While not strictly an assassin, Elise de la Serre from Assassin’s Creed Unity is a prominent Templar. She works alongside assassin Arno Dorian.
9. Which female assassin is known for her revolutionary spirit?
Aveline de Grandpré is recognized for her role in fighting for the freedom of slaves in 18th-century New Orleans, embodying a revolutionary spirit.
10. How does Kassandra connect to the Assassin Brotherhood?
While not a formal member, Kassandra’s actions and beliefs strongly align with the core tenets of the Assassin Brotherhood, such as fighting for freedom and opposing tyranny, making her a precursor to the organization.
11. What happened to Evie Frye after the events of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
As revealed in the Jack the Ripper DLC for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Evie Frye relocated to India after marrying Henry Green.
12. Who is considered the smartest female character in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
While many are intelligent, Rebecca Crane stands out as one of the smartest female characters due to her exceptional hacking skills and technical expertise. Games Learning Society showcases how learning and skills can also apply to the gaming community.
13. Did Ubisoft plan for female assassins in the beginning?
Not initially. Assassin’s Creed started with male protagonists, but the success and popularity of Aveline de Grandpré in Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation helped pave the way for more prominent female leads.
14. Are there any female assassins who were inspired by real-life historical figures?
Amunet (Aya) is inspired by the historical figure of Amunet, an Egyptian priestess.
15. Besides combat and stealth, what other skills are common among female assassins in Assassin’s Creed?
Beyond combat and stealth, female assassins often exhibit intelligence, strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and strong moral convictions. They can apply these traits to their own lives and careers as well. You can learn more about how gaming can develop these skills through resources such as the GamesLearningSociety.org website.